Multilayer drinking can system

ABSTRACT

A dual compartment mixing and drinking container may include two vertically stacked first and second compartments separated by a membrane or seal, each containing one dry or liquid component of a final mixed drink. In operation, each compartment holds one component to be mixed with the other compartment. The container may include a means for opening the container that may also simultaneously puncture the membrane such that the first compartment and the second compartment may be in fluid communication with one another in order to mix the two components upon opening the container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/492,302 filed Oct. 1, 2021, entitled “MULTILAYER DRINKING CAN SYSTEM” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments generally relate to containers.

BACKGROUND

Beverage containers such as tin cans, steel cans, aluminum cans, plastic cans, and the like typically contain a fluid or content and may be opened via a can opener, pull-tab, or can tab hingedly affixed to the top of a can such that the top of the can may be partially opened or entirely removed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments described herein generally relate to a dual compartment, dual function mixing and drinking container. The multilayer drinking system may include two vertically stacked first and second compartments separated by a membrane or seal, each containing one dry or liquid component of a final mixed drink. In operation, each compartment holds one component to be mixed with the other compartment. A user may use a tab to open the can which motion also breaks the seal between each compartment, causing the components contained within each compartment to mix together.

The multilayer drinking can system may include a container shaped as a bottle constructed of plastic, metal, or similar known materials. The opening mechanism is engaged with the top of the container having a puncture mechanism dispoed within a protective cover. The protective cover may prevent the user from accidentally puncturing the seal member.

The multilayer drinking can system is useful for conveniently mixing infused beverages or any two drink powders and liquids without requiring a separate mixing container. After the two components are mixed the multilayer drinking can system serves as a readily available drinking container.

Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and enumerated variations, while disclosing optional variations, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multilayer drinking can system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an opener for a multilayer drinking can system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a multilayer drinking can system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a multilayer drinking can system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the container including the multilayer drinking can system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a multilayer drinking can system wherein the container is closed, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a multilayer drinking can system wherein the container is punctured, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the multilayer drinking can system, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described apparatus. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.

The embodiments described herein generally relate to a dual compartment container constructed and arranged for mixing of ingredients disposed within the container. The dual compartment container may include a body, top or lid, and bottom, wherein the dual compartment container may be generally cylindrical.

The body, top, and bottom of the dual compartment container may define at least one compartment constructed and arranged for storing contents. The dual compartment container may include a seal member disposed within the compartment, thereby separating the compartment into a first compartment and a second compartment. Each of the first compartment and second compartment may contain similar or distinct fluids, powders, solids, or the like. According to some embodiments, the dual compartment container may be made wholly or partially of metal such as tin, steel, aluminum or may include polymer such as a transparent plastic such that a user may see the separated first compartment and second compartment and the contents contained therein prior to opening and the mixing of the contents in the first compartment and second compartment after opening. Other appropriate materials may make up any of the components of the invention and the examples provided should not be considered limiting.

A tab opening or similar can opener may be integrated with the top or bottom of the dual compartment container and may be constructed and arranged to function as a lever such that when one portion of the tab is lifted by a user, the opposite end of the tab may exert force on at least a portion of the top or bottom of the dual compartment container in order to puncture or break an opening within the top or bottom. In some instances, the top or bottom may include a scored tongue constructed and arranged to break along the score when force is exerted by the tab on the tongue. The tab may be constructed and arranged to simultaneously open the dual compartment container and break or puncture the seal member between the first compartment and the second compartment.

According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the tab may be constructed and arranged to hingedly travel into a portion of the first compartment and abut, break, or puncture the seal member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the tab may be constructed and arranged to hingedly travel into a portion of the first compartment and puncture, break, or otherwise create a through hole in the seal member such that the contents of the first compartment and the second compartment may mix together by passing through the through hole in the seal member. According to some embodiments, the tab may include a puncture mechanism extending from a portion of the tab, the puncture mechanism being constructed and arranged to puncture, break, or otherwise create a through hole in the seal member.

The seal member may be integrated within the dual compartment container and may include any suitable material for separating the first compartment from the second compartment such as, but not limited to, polymer, metal, or the like.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multilayer drinking can system 100 including a body 102 having a generally cylindrical sidewall, a bottom, and a top or lid. The top may include a scored tongue 106. A tab 104 may be pivotably or rotatably secured to a portion of the top such that the tab 104 may function as a lever to exert force on the tongue 106 constructed and arranged to break along the score when force is exerted by the tab on the tongue.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an opening mechanism 200 for a multilayer drinking can system that may include a tab 204 such as a can tab which may be connected to a portion of a top or lid of a container such that the tab 204 may pivot on the lid. The tab 204 may be constructed and arranged to exert force on a tongue 206 of the top or lid. At least one puncture mechanism 208 may be disposed on the tongue 206, and in some embodiments, on the bottom of the tongue 206. According to some variations, the puncture mechanism 208 may be generally spike shaped, cone shaped, hook shaped, or any other arrangement sufficient for piercing, puncturing, or breaking the seal member. According to some embodiments, the puncture mechanism 208 may include a plurality of puncture mechanisms 208.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a multilayer drinking can system 300 having a body 302 and a seal member 320 disposed within the body, the body 302 and seal member 320 defining a first compartment 318 and a second compartment 314. The multilayer drinking can system 300 may include a top 320 having a tongue 306, the tongue 306 being constructed and arranged to at least partially break or bend away from the top 320 to define a first through hole 316 in the multilayer drinking can system 300. A tab 304 may be pivotably connected to the top 320 constructed and arranged to apply a force to the tongue 306 to facilitate defining the first through hole 316. The tongue 306 may include a puncture mechanism 308 constructed and arranged to puncture, rip, break, or otherwise pass through a portion of the seal member 320 to define a second through hole 308 in the seal member 320. In this way, the first compartment 318 and the second compartment 314 may be in fluid communication with one another by simultaneously opening the dual compartment container 300 and puncturing the seal member 320.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a multilayer drinking can system 400 having a seal member 410 disposed therein and defining a first compartment 418 and a second compartment 414. The multilayer drinking can system 400 may have a top 420 removably attached to the body 402 and in mechanical communication with a tab 404 such that the tab 404 may force the top 420 away from the body 402 to define a first through hole. The top 402, tab 404, or both may have a puncture mechanism 408 disposed on or integrated therewith such that when the tab 404 is used, force may be exerted on the top 402 in order to open the multilayer drinking can system 400 and puncture the seal member 410 via the puncture mechanism 408.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the multilayer drinking can system. In specific reference to FIG. 5 , the container 500 is illustrated having an embodiment of the opening mechanism 200 positioned thereon. The opening mechanism 200, in the illustrated embodiments is further detailed in FIGS. 6-8 . The container 500 as illustrated shows a bottle which may be constructed of plastics, metal, or other suitable materials commonly known in the arts. The opening mechanism 200 is threadingly engaged, frictionally engaged, or integrally molded to the container 500. The opening mechanism included a mating portion 501 which engages with the top 503 of the container. A central portion 505 contains the puncture mechanism and fluid.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate the opening mechanism 200, according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the opening mechanism is connected to the container illustrated in FIG. 5 . The opening mechanism 200 is a component of a multilayer drinking system including a central portion 505 which contains the first compartment 600 which contains a first fluid which is mixed with the second fluid contained within the second compartment of the container. A protective cover 601 forms the outer housing of the opening mechanism 200. The protective cover may prevent the puncture mechanism 208 from accidentally puncturing the container 200. A hinge 603 allows the user to depress the top portion 605 of the opening mechanism 200 to puncture and mix the first fluid and the second fluids.

In some embodiments, the sealing member may be a heat induction lid which is capable of being punctured by the puncture mechanism.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the opening mechanism 200. The puncture mechanism 208 is housed within the protective cover 601 in an upwards facing configuration. During use, the opening mechanism 200 is unthreaded or otherwise disengaged from the container to allow the user to puncture and mix the first and second liquids.

In some embodiments, the opening mechanism 200 is separable from the container 500. In such, the user may selectively engage an opening mechanism 200 containing a liquid with a container they purchase from a store. For example, the opening mechanism may readily engage with a soda can, energy drink can, bottle, or other liquid container which the user purchases at a grocery store. Once engaged, the opening mechanism 200 punctures the container 500 to mix the fluids. The opening mechanism 200 may snap onto the container 500, form a threaded engagement, or otherwise be affixed to the container 500.

The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and are still considered to be within the scope of the invention.

According to variation 1, multilayer drinking can system including a container including a body and a top opposite a bottom, the container defining a primary compartment therein; a seal member disposed within the body such that the primary compartment includes a first compartment and a second compartment; wherein the top includes a tongue constructed and arranged to at least partially break away from the top to define a first through hole in fluid communication with the first compartment; a tab pivotably connected to the top constructed and arranged to apply force to the tongue to facilitate defining the first through hole; and a puncture mechanism attached to the tongue constructed and arranged to pass through a portion of the seal member to define a second through hole such that the first compartment and second compartment are in fluid communication.

Variation 2 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in variation 1 wherein the container is generally cylindrical.

Variation 3 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 2 wherein the container is transparent.

Variation 4 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 3 wherein the body is transparent.

Variation 5 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 4 wherein the puncture mechanism includes at least one of a spike, hook, rod, or cone.

Variation 6 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 5 wherein the puncture mechanism includes a plurality of puncture mechanisms.

Variation 7 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 6 wherein the first compartment is defined above the second compartment.

Variation 8 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 7 wherein the top defines a scored channel at least partially separating the tongue from the top.

Variation 9 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 8 wherein the first compartment includes a first content.

Variation 10 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 9 wherein the second compartment includes a second content.

Variation 11 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 10 wherein the multilayer drinking can system is constructed and arranged to simultaneously define the first through hole and the second through hole.

Variation 12 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 11 wherein the seal member includes metal.

According to variation 13, a multilayer drinking can system may include a generally cylindrical container including a body and a top opposite a bottom, the container defining a primary compartment therein; a seal member disposed within the body such that the primary compartment includes a first compartment above a second compartment; wherein the top includes a scored channel defining a tongue constructed and arranged to at least partially break away from the top to define a first through hole in fluid communication with the first compartment; a tab pivotably connected to the top constructed and arranged to apply force to the tongue to facilitate defining the first through hole; and a puncture mechanism including at least one of a spike, hook, rod, or cone attached to the tongue and being constructed and arranged to pass through a portion of the seal member to define a second through hole such that the first compartment and second compartment are in fluid communication.

Variation 14 may include multilayer drinking can system as in variation 13 wherein the body is transparent.

Variation 15 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 14 wherein the puncture mechanism includes a plurality of puncture mechanisms.

Variation 16 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 15 wherein the first compartment includes a first content.

Variation 17 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 16 wherein the second compartment includes a second content.

Variation 18 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 17 wherein the multilayer drinking can system is constructed and arranged to simultaneously define the first through hole and the second through hole.

Variation 19 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 18 wherein the seal member includes a polymer.

According to variation 20, a multilayer drinking can system may include a generally cylindrical container including a transparent body and a top opposite a bottom, the container defining a primary compartment therein; a seal member disposed within the body such that the primary compartment includes a first compartment above a second compartment; wherein the top is constructed and arranged to at least partially break away from the body to define a first through hole in fluid communication with the first compartment; a tab pivotably connected to the top constructed and arranged to apply force to the top to facilitate defining the first through hole; and a puncture mechanism including at least one of a spike, hook, rod, or cone attached to the tongue and being constructed and arranged to pass through a portion of the seal member to define a second through hole such that the first compartment and second compartment are in fluid communication.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multilayer drinking can system, comprising a container comprising a body and a top opposite a bottom, the container defining a primary compartment therein; a seal member disposed within the body such that the primary compartment comprises a first compartment and a second compartment; wherein the top comprises an opening mechanism having a puncture mechanism constructed and arranged to pass through a portion of the seal member to define a second through hole such that the first compartment and second compartment are in fluid communication.
 2. The multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the container is generally cylindrical.
 3. The multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the container is transparent.
 4. The multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the body is transparent.
 5. The multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the puncture mechanism comprises at least one of a spike, hook, rod, or cone.
 6. The multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the puncture mechanism comprises a plurality of puncture mechanisms.
 7. The multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the first compartment is defined above the second compartment.
 8. The multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the top defines a scored channel at least partially separating the puncture mechanism from the top.
 9. The multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the first compartment comprises a first content.
 10. The multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the second compartment comprises a second content.
 11. A multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the seal member comprises metal.
 12. A multilayer drinking can system, comprising a container comprising a body and a top opposite a bottom, the container defining a primary compartment therein; a seal member disposed within the body such that the primary compartment comprises a first compartment and a second compartment; wherein the top comprises an opening mechanism having a puncture mechanism constructed and arranged to pass through a portion of the seal member to define a second through hole such that the first compartment and second compartment are in fluid communication, the puncture mechanism operable to puncture the seal member via a hinge; and a protective cover to prevent the puncture mechanism from accidentally puncturing a seal member.
 13. A multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the body is transparent.
 14. A multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the puncture mechanism comprises a plurality of puncture mechanisms.
 15. A multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the first compartment comprises a first content.
 16. A multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the second compartment comprises a second content.
 17. A multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the multilayer drinking can system is constructed and arranged to simultaneously define the first through hole and the second through hole.
 18. A multilayer drinking can system as in claim 1 wherein the seal member comprises a polymer. 